Take a survey in your family or Life Group. Ask: How much money would I need to have to feel as if I am rich? How did you come to that number?

Read 1 Timothy 6:3-19. What is the danger which lies behind the “love of money”? Who are people in the Bible (or people you’ve observed today) who handled money well? Who handled it poorly?

UNDERSTANDING:

Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10. What is the motive of the false teachers in verses 3-5? What is the result of their teaching? What happens when false teaching infiltrates a church and Christians are deceived by false teachings of the Bible?

In 1 Tim 6:6-10, what is the “great gain” in godliness? How did St. Paul’s experience in prison help emphasize the importance of contentment (read Philippians 4:11-13)?

If “the love of money is the root of evil”, how are we to live differently? What are the two motives from 1 Timothy 6:11-16 which help us live beyond a greedy lifestyle?

LIVING:

Based on 1 Timothy 6:17-19, is St. Paul saying it is wrong to be wealthy? How did our Lord Jesus Christ manage his wealth (read Philippians 2:1-8)? What are ways that you can begin living more generously?

How are you at discerning the difference between “wants” and “needs”? Have you ever considered living “below” your means? Why or why not?

Assignment:With your family or group, talk about the following two quotes:

“Everything I’ve kept, I’ve lost, but all that I’ve given to God I still possess” – Martin Luther

“Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth; whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality” – A.W. Tozer

What one generous action will you take this week in the name of Christ? Report on what happened next week.